When Guidance Supersedes Passing Judgement

“Do not look down upon any Muslim, for even the most inferior believer is great in the eyes of God.” – Abu Bakr

It’s very easy to pass judgement upon others when we see they’re outwardly committing sins. What’s disturbing however, is the fact that each of us at some point and currently are struggling to fight our own demons in some way shape or form but become blind to our own faults.

Being caught up in the cycle of identifying flaws in others is something we’re all guilty of; myself first. While we may take Allah (swt)’s guidance for granted sometimes, that can be taken away at any moment. It’s scary but true. The rank you’re at today can easily be replaced by another believer tomorrow.

“Have you not seen that Allah created the heavens and the earth in truth? If He wills, He can do away with you and produce a new creation.” – Qur’an 14;19

And even if we perceive another brother or sister to be lesser in their commitment to the deen (outwardly), who’s to say that they won’t change and Allah (swt) will grant them a means to come closer to him?. With Allah, all things are possible. Let’s not forget, most of the Sahaba’s were converts to Islam.

If we bring it back to today’s context, It’s sad to hear statements flying around like “that brother/sister has completely lost it, no point in giving them advice no more”. Hold up, is there life over? Prophet Nuh gave da’wah for over 1,000 years.

Each of us have had moments in our life where we were lost. Let’s not assume others can speed up. Allah (swt) has a plan for each of us, trust in his timing.

I’ll wrap this post up with a quote from Imam Ahmad Zarruq who was a scholar from fes, morocco.

“Watch your eye, should it ever reveal to you the faults of others, say to it: ‘O my eye, other people have eyes too.”

May Allah (swt) out of his infinite mercy keep us on the straight path. Ameen.